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Tiara Sengstock is pursuing her passion for hairdressing for free at CQUniversity, thanks to the Queensland Government’s Free TAFE program.

Tiara Sengstock is pursuing her passion for hairdressing for free at CQUniversity, thanks to the Queensland Government’s Free TAFE program, which allows Year 12 graduates to take up subsidised training in the year after they leave school.

The 17-year-old Calliope resident discovered she had a hidden talent for hairdressing while studying the Certificate II in Hairdressing during high school.

Now she’s aiming to be a cut above the rest by taking on the Certificate III through an apprenticeship with Hairhouse Warehouse in Gladstone – all for free.

“I really enjoyed doing the Certificate II in school and I was told I had a talent for hairdressing,” Tiara said.

“It was when I enrolled in the Certificate III that I found out it was free.

“I love talking to the clients and making them feel happy about themselves.”

Through the apprenticeship, Tiara undertakes one day of training a week at CQUniversity’s Gladstone City salon with teacher Louise Stakenburg.

“It’s a good balance of work and training, Tiara said.

“My teacher and my employer talk to each other to make sure I’m on the right track.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman announced the Palaszczuk Government’s Free TAFE campaign for 2018 recently, saying it was a great opportunity for Year 12 graduates who want to follow a path in any number of careers.

CQUniversity Pro Vice-Chancellor for VET Operations and Growth Peter Heilbuth said fee-free training is available in 29 courses across high priority areas, including horticulture, early childhood education and care, individual support, bricklaying, carpentry, laboratory skills, hospitality and hairdressing.

“If there any parents with children about to finish school or with children who finished last year, this is a great opportunity for them to become work-ready or start their academic pathway,” Mr Heilbuth said.